Octopus Cooked in White Wine

1. 1

   Octopus is usually sold cleaned and tenderized.

2. 2

   But here is how you clean it if you have to do it yourself: Cut partway through the muscle which unites the tentacles to the inside of the head and discard all the contents of the head cavity.

3. 3

   This involves pulling or cutting out the ink sac, the hard oval beak, and the gelatinous innards.

4. 4

   Turn the head inside out and wash well under running water.

5. 5

   Squeeze or cut out the eyes and any cartilage.

6. 6

   Remove any scales which may be left on the suckers and wash the octopus thoroughly.

7. 7

   Blanch the octopus for 5 minutes in boiling water, then drain.

8. 8

   Put it in a saucepan with the wine, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper, and just enough water to cover.

9. 9

   Simmer over very low heat for about 11 1/2 hours, until tender, adding water to keep it covered.

10. 10

    Lift out the octopus and reduce the sauce.

11. 11

    Cut the octopus into 1-inch slices, and mix with the sauce and the olive oil.

12. 12

    Serve cold, sprinkled with parsley.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.